Hollywoodland (R, 2006)

HOLLYWOODLAND depicts an investigation of the 1959 death of TV's Superman, George Reeves (played by Ben Affleck). The investigation of the death -- revealed in bloody aftermath and even replayed a couple of times during the film, in different configurations, including suicide, accident, and assault by vengeful lover -- is conducted by private eye Louis Simo (Adrien Brody). Flashbacks reveal that Reeves had a longtime relationship with Toni Mannix (Diane Lane), ex-showgirl and unhappy wife of thuggish MGM executive Edward J. Mannix (Bob Hoskins). As Reeves ages, he starts an affair with the younger, gold-digging Leonore Lemmon (Robin Tunney). Simo's possible scenarios of the death as murder are fed by his considerations of the crime scene, lackadaisical efforts by the local detectives, and his own imagination. Recently estranged from his own wife Laurie (Molly Parker) and young, hero-seeking son (Zach Mills), Simo appreciates the need for Superman, as concept, icon, and role model. He wants to do right by the "American Way," and wants to make his own name, beyond the other dismal cases in his purview.

The questions posed by Hollywoodland are perennial and endlessly interesting, both trivialized and enhanced by Simo's own sense of tragedy: He's as self-inflating and lost as Reeves, his heroism as flimsy and sad. When he watches Reeves' homemade karate film -- an unconvincing "audition" to show his physical skills -- Simo's eyes soften. He recognizes in Reeves' pathetically gallant figure a certain desperation and self-delusion, as well as a childish faith. He can "make it," if only he's earnest and devoted enough.

But the trouble, according to Hollywoodland, is that there is no "enough." There's only luck and connections. As much as it is affecting and intriguing, and gestures toward unpacking myths and deceptions, Hollywoodland remains rather mired in a conventional moral scheme. Superman was done in by a system designed to do him in... and then remade him in multiple, ever lucrative forms.

Studio: Focus Features
Director: Allen Coulter
Cast: Adrien Brody, Ben Affleck, Diane Lane
Genre: Drama
Run time: 126 minutes
Theatrical release: September 8, 2006
DVD release: February 6, 2007
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: language, some violence and sexual content